Justice McKerracher led a special court hearing at the Esperance Civic Centre to make a determination confirming that native title exists within in area claimed by the Esperance Nyungar people.

Gail Yorkshire-Selby has been part of the fight to have native title recognised for almost two decades.

"Eighteen years ago when I was sitting back at home my special family member came around, I can't mention his name due to him passing, we sat down around a cup of tea with my children's father and his wife and we started to talk about native title," Gail said.

"He said to me 'Gail do you want to help me?'... Mabo has gone ahead and got it, let's try and see if we can get it."

Gail said the decision was spurred on by memories of being taught how to survive on country in Norseman with elders.

She said it had been a long and stressful journey and that her mother as well as other family members had passed away during the 18 year process.

"Now that this has happened I am extremely overjoyed, I'm going to go down to the ocean, get the ocean water and throw it over my face and hair and say 'Mum we've now done it'.

"We have at last been acknowledged and we can now continue to learn and teach younger people and other people who are interested in our culture and tradition down this way."

Goldfields Land and Sea Council CEO Hans Bokelund said it was an historic day for the region.

"After 18 years a lot of the traditional owners until this day, thought it would never happen.

"It's an excellent outcome, not just for the Esperance Nyungar people but also the community as a whole, today is a day of recognition."

Minister for Regional Development and Lands Terry Redman was present to sign the sign the Indigenous Land Use Agreement after the court proceedings.

"To be a signatory to it as a representative of State Government is fantastic," Mr Redman said.

About 150 people from across the state, including family members and legal representatives, were present to witness the ceremony.